The big wheels will once again roll at The Meadowlands as of Friday, June 5. HRI is proud to showcase handicapper, author, television analyst and HRI Harness contributor Dave Brower’s graded early double review anytime racing is conducted in East Rutherford
Race 1 Review – Friday, June 5, 2020
1 MANCHEGO – One of the true champions of our sport makes her seasonal debut tonight to get us “back to racing” and how apropos! Her qualifier last Saturday was sensational and she sure looked ready! Nancy has mare on her toes. Trainer: Great qualifier, and she is very happy to be back racing! First start of the year, but she has a lot of foundation and training in her this year.
2 LEAN HANOVER – Seemed to have rounded into form just before we hit the sidelines. Gelding performs well on all-size tracks and had an ideal prep down at Magical Acres. Didn’t see any of those, so that doesn’t help me. Trip coming?
3 CRYSTAL FASHION – One of three millionaires in here and we all know his story. Did tail off a bit at end of 2019, but that was then and this is now. I’m sure the rest did him some good. Begins 5YO season after chasing #7 in qua. Needs.
4 LINDY THE GREAT – In the Andy and Julie barn now and we’ve all seen their great work with acquisitions in the past. This is an extremely talented horse that’s capable of anything, at any time. His Gaitway qualifier looks super on paper.
5 DAYSON – One of two in here for the Burke Brigade and Yannick took the other. Sometimes, that’s ‘nuff said.
6 MISSION ACCEPTED – Made quite a splash when he showed up here last year! Really wish I could have seen that qualifier at Gaitway, because it looks like he had to fight to win it. Is he ready to tackle the likes of #1? Probably not.
7 SOUTHWIND CHROME – IF you want to try and beat Manchego, this may be your best option. He’s done nothing but good since being purchased by Camp Cullipher. And, his qualifier here couldn’t have been more impressive. Consider.
8 JOEY BATS – The Harris barn took the worst of it, post-wise in here, drawing 8 and 10. Sorry about that! Last time we saw Joey here in March, he was awesome! Don’t forget that. Prepped well, with #6. I just hate the post and spot.
9 PAT MATTERS – In a race like this, it’s impossible to like them all, so I suspect Pat will be on the outside, looking in.
10 ELYSIUM LINDY – Managed to win four times before the shut-down this year. That’s good! But, is he a true Invite-level trotter in a race like this? From post 10? Might need a little Jason B magic to get him into the game tonight.
DRIVER CHOICES: Tim Tetrick 3 over 2, Yannick Gingras 6 over 5
Top Contenders 1-7-2-4
Race 2 Review
1 GENEROUS POUR – One of the many possibilities in this wide-open maiden race. After a disastrous first qualifier down at Southern Oaks, he bounced back nicely with a stronger, and safe mile. I guess Dave Miller got along with him well.
2 SIR CROMWELL – Developed some bad habits there at end of 2YO season, so Eddie Hart puts the trotting hopples on. Probably a good idea! He looked a bit short in that first qualifier here, so I’ll take a pass and watch one.
3 SOLAR – I fully expect Team Miller to arrive ready to rock! Spent winter down in Fla, prepping racehorses and babies. Keep in mind they got THREE qualifiers into this fella! That should give big conditioning edge. Will go a LONG way.
4 FASHION CHARMER – One of three fillies in here, and that’s probably a disadvantage. However, this lass has an impeccable pedigree, and she will benefit from those few starts last year. Experience helps. Hopes to trip out.
5 SHINKANSEN – Big Red, Kelvin takes over the training on this colt by Sebastian K. Started seven times as a freshman, with very mixed results. I guess I’d like to watch one here, after the one fair qualifier at Magical Acres.
6 MAHOMES – The Ackerman’s spend their winter down at Pinehurst, North Carolina and it’s a beautiful facility to train. Colt hit the board only once as a freshman, so he just wasn’t ready. One slow qualifier. Will need this, for sure.
7 KASHA V – Picked up a few checks in NJ last fall. I also thought he wasn’t ready in the qualifier here. Have to pass.
8 MISS MCKEE – Also developed some bad habits at the end of year last year. Okay. One try with hopples, and that didn’t work. Came back this year with no hopples and trotted her fastest mile ever in qua. Much better this year?
9 KEYSTONE CANDACE – Disappointed a little in her final two starts as a freshman. But, she comes out of key qualifier behind some good ones down at Gaitway. You can never ignore this trn/drv combo. I hate the post, but like the spot.
10 I’llALWAYSBEBACK – Hasn’t shown me enough yet, so he looks like a pass out of dreaded post 10.
DRIVER CHOICES: no changes
Top Contenders 3-1-9-8
